Interviewing Techniques for the Interviewer

Remember: the interviewee is also interviewing you. They may be the perfect person for the job, but if they didn't like the condition of the workplace, the way the interview was organised or your bad taste in jokes, they will not accept your offer.

Be prepared:

You - make sure you know the qualities, skills, knowledge that you require from the ideal candidate, and question or test according to these. Read the application form/CV and get to know the candidate before seeing them. Establish the selling points of the company and the job.

Environment - make sure the interview room is clean and comfortable. Think about layout: do you really need a desk? Could you take notes on your lap or have someone else take notes for you? Ensure the candidate's chair is sited facing the door, not lower than yours and not in any glaring light. Make sure that telephones are switched off, and that it is clear no-one is to enter the room.

The interview itself is in four stages: W.A.S.P.

1. Welcome

• Smile.
• Shake hands and show candidate to room/chair.
• Start with small talk (weather, journey, etc.) to make the candidate relax.
• Explain the structure of the interview (order of who will be questioning, any tests and how long, that they will have opportunity to ask questions at the end).
• Mention the note taking: this is to make sure you remember everything that is said and that although you may not be looking at them, you will be listening.

2. Ask

• Ask you preset questions (should be the same for all candidates to ensure equality).
• Revise/reword the questions if candidate does not understand: give them every opportunity to give the answer you are looking for.
• Use only open questions, i.e. those that cannot be answered either 'yes' or 'no'.
• Don't ask questions that can only be asked of one sex (e.g. child arrangements to a woman) or of disabled people (e.g. travel arrangements)
• Ask questions that relate to the job, not personal circumstances.

3. Supply

• Information relating to the job/company.
• The reporting structure above and below the position.
• Working hours/days.
• Main terms and conditions.
• Ask if they have any questions for you (hopefully by now, you have covered most of those they will have).

4. Part

• Explain the rest of the process (more days of interviews, decision to be made next day, etc.)
• Tell them when they will hear from you (whether successful or not).
• Thank them for attending
• See them out of the door/building, shake hands.

Always contact all the candidates by the time you have said, even if it is to extend the time. If not, you will put the candidates off. Remember, your ideal candidate may not accept your offer; you may need to go to the number two candidate.

Remember you are being interviewed and monitored as well.